LCWRA - Backdated payment entitlement?

Hi there

I've just recently (19/11/25) been upgraded to the LCWRA group. The ESA50 form was returned to the DWP about 17/18 months prior to their decision to upgrade. Yes, I used to be on ESA but was forced to migrate to UC in July 2025.

I'm wondering whether I'm entitled to a backdated payment starting from the date they received my completed ESA50 form? By my reckoning that would be totalling close to an extra £4000 which would come in extremely helpful to say the least.

I apologise in advance if I've posted in the incorrect place but I'm a virgin poster so please be gentle with me.

Thankyou so much for all the hard work you do. It has helped me out enormously in the past.

Kindest regards

Martin

Hi David,

Thanks for the quick reply. It was not myself who instigated the ESA50 form. I was just minding my own business when the form with covering letter dropped through the letterbox. Complete and return or your benefits might stop.

It was the same with the migration from ESA to UC. Letter through the door with deadline date or lose benefits.

If by 'Severe conditions' you mean the likes of a terminal illness, then no. Just a gradual deteriation in my health over the years.

Hope this helps.

kind regards

Martin

Hi David,

Thanks again for the quick reply.

I still don't understand the decision but you have basically said the same thing as the Citizens Advice Bureau, backing up what the DWP told me when I questioned the decision.

As you say, the DWP instigated the ESA50 in April 2024 but my question to you is to ask, 'Is it fair and reasonable for the DWP to take 17 months to make their decision? If they had made the decision 12 months sooner, I would have been upgraded 12 months sooner.

Also. Am I correct in thinking that the Face 2 Face appointment is a follow-up to the ESA50?

I was given 30 days to fill in and return the ESA50. However, despite the DWP's extensive resources and manpower they're allowed to take 17 months to make a decision. How is that fair? What am I missing here?

Sorry David. It's not that I'm bitter about the decision. It will make a great difference moving forwards. This thicko is just struggling to understand it. There was another post on the forum from another member who was saying that he waited for about 22 months and received no backdated payment. Sorry for being such a numpty.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all at 'Benefits And Work' for the tireless work you all do, giving up your precious time to help us all out. Very much appreciated. Sincerely.

Kindest regards

Martin